Kind Love

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you today?  Long Living? Living Long?

The week is easing into SUNSHINE and I am easing into the week pretty nicely.  What about you?  What is the weather like today?

Have you meditated? Visualized?  Even just 5 min – Do it!  It will help immensely!

This Weekend in L.A…

SATURDAY

My taste testers kids were in town this weekend!

One of them – the youngest – performed at the California Metal Fest!

Pretty cool for a kid that is only 14 years old!  EXTREMELY cool to be a ROCK STAR at 14! GO IZZY!

What made it even better was his older brother graced us with the pleasure of spending the night!

This is always nice!  I get to cook veggie food for kids and feed a wonderful appetite – healthfully and mindfully!

Ever since these kids were born my taste tester made sure to put instruments in their hands.  They both seem to be quite successful at keeping music in their lives.  Positive things, positive things!

We have made plenty of “Late Night Craigslist missions” for these guys!  I am happy to see that it is all paying off! Drum pedals, amps, bass cases, etc.  you name it – we have probably gotten it!

Growing up with a supportive parent is one of THE KEY TO SUCCESS! Don’t you think?

So that was Saturday and when Sunday arrived it was time for him to go!  Always seems – just a blink of an eye and the kids are gone…but we will see them soon.  I am hoping they will come and experience a race with us!

Although I planned on attending the Claremont Red Cross 10k – that thought was quickly out of my mind once I saw the rain! Heavy Rains!

Since I didn’t attend the race it gave me the opportunity to cook for “Nitro Roc” one last time.

SUNDAY

RAW Smoothie attack!!!

Here is my RAW date strawberry banana RAINY SUNDAY smoothie prior to blending!

2 bananas

2 tbl RAW almond butter

8 dates

6 strawberries

1 bottle OXYGIZER water

Directions: Blend ALL INGREDIENTS until smooth!

Why OXYGIZER?

OXYGIZER improves measurably performance during periods of high physical stress and the resulting regeneration phase. Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Marktl (Head of Science at the Institute of Medical Physiology at Vienna University) and his research team have completed their scientific ergometry tests. Using a randomised double-blind study, these tests have proven the effective infl uence and effect of OXYGIZER on the body’s performance capability.

Additionally, Sunday was the Los Angeles Marathon!

CHEERS ETHIOPIA!

Ethiopia dominated the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday!

WINNERS

Men’s Division

Markos Geneti ran the 26.2 miles in 2hrs 6mins 35 seconds!

Coming in shortly after Geneti was Nicholas Kamakaya in 2hrs 9min 26sec!

Womens Division

Buzunesh Deba ran the marathon in 2hrs 26mins 34 secs.

Coming in shortly after Deba was Amy Hastings from the USA.  This was her debut in the marathon. She completed the marathon in 2hrs 27min 3sec!

Great going ladies! YOU RULE!

Those are CRAZY times! The male winner also broke the LA Marathon record!

There were a total of 19,626 finishers on Sunday.  11,896 were men and 7,730 were women.

UPDATE MARCH 24, 2011: 19866 Finishers – 12045 M / 7821 F

Exciting stuff!

Depending on the weather I may run a 10k Sunday.  We’ll see.  I will monitor the weather and figure it out by Saturday evening.

Stay tuned for more Musical Meditations, Race Reviews and Recipes!

I thought I would leave you with this image…

 

Kind Love ~ Love Kind!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

General Veg888 Adventures!

Inhale! Exhale! AAhhh!

Hello All!

I hope you are all doing well on this fine day!

I am quite pleased with my running and biking at the moment.  I finally have many of the computer issues solved.  I was even able to install the Garmin software onto my computer!  That made me really happy! 

Although I received the Garmin Forerunner last week, I waited to use it until I understood a bit more about it.  I took it for a test run yesterday and I was quite pleased! It told me calorie count, the GPS tracked my run, It gave me the pace, and the miles set.  I will be working with it more and more!  After the run I connected the Forerunner to my computer with a USB cable and the watch sent all of my info to the computer.  Just one of the wonderful advantages to this great little device.  Technology!  Don’t you just love it sometimes??? 

Logging the information will allow me to see the changes in my workouts.  I will increase the RAW food intake and see how this fares.  I will also be biking more and more during the next few weeks.  I looked at my pace…a sad 14 minute mile and remembered the elite women are running a little over a 4 minute mile! Can u believe that?  Crazy. 

My run was a nice one.  For the first time in a long time I began thinking about all of the things I need to get done.  I also was feeling positive about the next few months to come.  More food posts, more excercise and MORE LAUGHTER.

After my run I enjoyed a wonderful smoothie!!!

Here it is! Delicious! (For the most part! More on that in a moment!)

This one was a good one! 

BLUEBERRY PINEAPPLE VEGA SMOOTHIE

1 cup frozen blueberries

1/4 cup pineapple

1 scoop Vega *

1 tbl. Udo’s Oil

1 Banana

1 1/2 cups PH water

Blend and Drink!

Top Shot!

About the Vega Health Food Optimizer.  What is Vega you ask?  Well Vega is a supplement by Brendan Brazier.  (Psst…the Author of one of the FREE GIVEAWAYS!!!  You have until November 30th 2010!!) It’s a raw food smoothie supplement to be used after activity or meal replacement.

I have found the supplement to work.  At least in the sense that I am not sore after running/cycling if I drink this 10-12 minutes after activity.  I just find the sweetness to be a bit off!  There are tons of wonderful ingredients in this supplement, however!  Here is the ingredients list!

Features & Benefits
Formulated by Brendan Brazier, vegan, professional Ironman triathlete and best-selling author on performance nutrition, Vega is made exclusively from natural plant-based whole foods.

A synergistic collection of Brendan’s favorite plant-based superfoods, Vega is not only a complete meal replacement, but also an ideal daily health-optimizing supplement.

High in fiber, protein and essential fatty acids, Vega is naturally filling and satisfying, helping to reduce appetite and cravings. Each serving of Vega supplies:

26g of Broad Spectrum Protein

• 40% of calories from protein, with all essential amino acids in ideal balance
• Alkaline forming, 35% raw protein with enzymes intact
• Protein sourced from hemp, yellow pea, brown rice, flax and chlorella

6g of Essential Fatty Acids

• 30% of calories from naturally occurring fats from whole foods
• EFAs mostly in the form of hard to get Omega 3s and zero trans fats
• EFAs sourced from whole flax seed (not flax meal), hemp and chlorella

17g of Quality Carbohydrates

• 30% of calories from naturally occurring complex carbohydrates; no maltodextrin
• Naturally low glycemic index and no sugars or sugar derivatives added
• Carbohydrates sourced from hemp, flax, brown rice and maca

15g of Fabulous Fiber

• Contains both soluble and insoluble fiber
• Helps balance blood sugar, reduce insulin, improve elimination
• Fiber sourced from hemp, flax, fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and chlorella

Full Serving of ChlorEssence (High CGF Chlorella)

• Rich in protein, chlorophyll and nucleic acids DNA & RNA
• Cleanse, nourish, rejuvenate cells and activate, support immune system
• Special cell wall fiber binds to and removes heavy metals and other toxins from the body

Full Serving of MacaSure (Organic Gelatinized Maca)

• Rich in alkaloids, glucosinolates, minerals and sterols
• Increase energy, reduce stress, balance hormones, improve libido
• Gelatinization enhances potency and ease of digestion/absorption

Mixed Berry Complex (ORAC 800 blend)

• Great source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
• Helps defend against free radical damage

Probiotics (Dairy-free)

• Beneficial form of bacteria
• Helps maintains healthy intestinal flora

Digestive Enzymes

• Facilitates breakdown of food to improve absorption
• Helps reduce nutritional stress digestion places on the body

100% Recommended Daily Intake of Vitamins & Minerals

• All essential minerals present in easily absorbable form
• All essential vitamins present in natural form

With just 220 calories and 2g of net carbs per serving (natural flavor), Vega is an excellent choice for those on a calorie-reduced diet. High in fiber, protein and essential fats, Vega is naturally filling and satisfying, helping to suppress appetite and cravings.

Easily digested, alkaline and great-tasting, Vega is clean and green, containing no animal products, corn, dairy, egg, fillers, gluten, soy, sugar, wheat or yeast. Absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners and GMO and pesticide-free.

Vega is available in wholesome and delicious Natural, Berry, Vanilla Chai and Chocolate flavors, in three sizes: individual 30g Snack Packs, small bottles containing 7-8 servings and large bottles containing 15-17 servings. One serving of Vega is a complete meal, exceeding all meal replacement requirements, but people with smaller appetites may find half a serving sufficiently satiating.

Each serving of Vega contains a full dose of MacaSure and ChlorEssence!

At the moment I have the Vanilla Chai.  The chocolate is good.  I don’t like the Berry so much. 

After my run I cycled for 33 min and rode approx 3 more miles.  A total of 6 miles last night!  I just need to keep up with the training schedule I have.  (Fingers Crossed)

I need to plan some runs in the area of 5 – 7 miles for Sunday.  Stay tuned!!!

A really GREAT & INFORMATIVE movie I saw this weekend was called FOODMATTERS! Has anyone seen this movie? Comment and join the FREE RAFFLE GIVEAWAY! -or- Just comment about your thoughts on this I would be very pleased! Nutritional Therapy sure sounds better than Chemotherapy!!!

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

THANKS TO THE UNIVERSE & LAST CALL!!

LAST CALL FOR THE FREE DVD/BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

ALL ENTRIES NEED TO BE BEFORE MIDNIGHT!!!!

I WILL POST THE WINNER!!

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL POSTING HERE!

Yesterday (Sunday), was a really beautiful day!! Since Sundays are usually my laundry day, I decided I would keep it low key as far as food was concerned.  I made a smoothie to keep me sustained throughout the day.

Strawberry-Coconut Smoothie ~ 2 servings

1 cup sliced frozon strawberries

2 frozen Bananas

1 tbs. RAW Almond Butter

1 Fuji Apple

1 Handful Arugula

1 tbs. RAW coconut

Preparation: Blend in high speed blender with Fresh Thai Coconut Water until smooth.

*This beautiful glass was made by my friend WILL.  He makes amazing glass blown goblets!!!  All of the Ceramic bowls on this blog are made by my wonderful Ceramic Artist – Joe Botello!! Thanks to both of them for the beautiful artwork they have blessed me with!!!

AND BEFORE I FORGET…

A BIG Thank YOU to the  universe!!!!

For the past 6 weeks I have been enjoying fruit and vegetable gifts from the area.  Customers have been bringing me all kinds of different produce.  I must have gotton about 24 Lemons, a bunch of grapefruits, and some really sweet oranges!!!  I have even experienced some wonderful STRAWBERRIES!!!

Today I was given the biggest avocados I have ever eaten!  I will post a picture of them tomorrow! They were so beautiful!

I took a walk to get some excercise and enjoy the sun for a few moments.

On my walk I was blessed to see this magnificent creature!

Just when I thought there wasn’t anything more stunning at that moment in time, I looked back as saw this…

Isn’t he magnificent?  He was so proud!  I usually hear the peacocks at night as I am pulling into the driveway, while I am laying in bed before I go to sleep and in the morning when they are just waking!

Here is a young male trailing behind..

I would also like to thank YOU!  Thank you for stopping by my blog!  I will continue to post recipes and information regarding vegan, vegetarian and RAW food!!!  Also, NEW stuff coming your way in May!!!  More RAFFLES! More Giveaways!  and Much more information!

LIVE IN LIGHT and LOVE!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE:

Here is a great article with some nice information about ASPARAGUS!!! Great info and in sync with my blog!!!

Day 11 of 30 – 19 to go!

Good day everybody!   I hope you are okay.  Whatever is going on in your life that is a bit difficult at the moment.  It will be okay.  The ups and downs of life don’t feel good, but it is what molds us into who we are! Just continue to preservere on your path and you will end up alright.

There were wonderful organic strawberries available at the market last night.  I was happy to see them.  It had been awhile since I had seen strawberries.  I would like to maintain green smoothies on a daily basis now.  I have felt a difference in my teeth.  They feel solid and strong.  Not that they felt week before, I just feel an improvement.  It’s also a really good habit to have in case you feel hungry for a little something through out the day.  A liquid healthy snack if you will.  It cuts out munching on crap.  Chips, candy, whatever the vice…french fries, fried zucchini, etc..

In front of my store I see people walking up the street all day long with the above mentioned list.  The worst is the HOT Cheetos and the Red or Blue Colored Drinks, All the crap that is sold at the liquor store.  The little kids eating this way bothers me the most.  Their little bodies.  I would like to manifest enough energy to open a place and bring health to this area.  But before I go there, I must begin within.  It begins with me.  Which brings us to this experience I am in presently.

Here is today’s smoothie.  Maybe not the most wonderful color, but definitly a tasty one!

Day 11 Smoothie

1 Bunch Spinach

1 Banana

1 T Almond Butter

1 Big Handful Blueberries

1/4 cup coconut meat

12 Big & Juicy Organic Strawberries

Oxygen Water.

Blend fruit with enough water to make smooth.  Slowly add spinach and blend until desired consistency.  CAUTION: DON’T PUT TO MUCH WATER!

DINNER

Last night I broke out the blade for the food processor that shreds.  I shredded potatoes and zucchini (seperately).  I found a recipe on Gone Raw for Potatoes and then another recipe on another blog called Vegan Raw Food, and I thought I would try out the Cheesy Zucchini recipe.  You can look at this blog by clicking onto the name or by going to the blogroll on this page.  I will give you a review of the dishes I found tomorrow.

I have managed to eat all of the food prepared on Sunday throughout the week.  After preparing the food I will be eating this evening, I made my version of a Taco Salad since I still had some tortilla chips left.

The zucchini is in the Dehydrator and is supposed to be in there for 4-5 hours.  I will update tomorrow how it tastes today.  I allowed the zucchni to marinated in the ingredients over night so let’s see how it goes.  As mentioned before I made a recipe for some raw potatoes.  The recipe called for the potatoes to marinate in Apple Cider Vinegar for 12 hours or more.  Those potatoes are still marinating.  They’ll be ready tonight as well.  After that they’re supposed to be in the Dehydrator for a little over 2 hours.

Here is a picture of the salsa I made last night.  I went for a Chile Verde version this time.  It turned out really good.  I mixed it with my avocado and made a guacamole topping for the salad.  It was really good.  My boyfriend was really quiet while he was eating, which is usually a sign that he is jamming on his food happily.

Salsa Verde

4 Tomatillos – (Paper husk removed)

1 big serrano chile or 2 small one

1/4 of a white onion

Juice of 1 lime

1 Handful Cilantro

Preparation:  Place all ingredients in the food processor and pulse a few times until it is broken down and still chunky.  Take caution not to puree.

Here is the plate I had…

Pretty tasty if I do say so myself! I think I will try to make a bowl out of the tortilla mixture in the future.  I am quite excited about the possibilities that are there culinary wise!

Namaste!

Update: My voice is back and now I have a pesky cough.  I am going to try and make a cough syrup this evening and see if it works! (RAW OF COURSE!)

Day 10 of 30 – 20 to go!

My parasite cleanse is coming along nicely.  I am feeling clearer in my thoughts and vision is definitly better.  Last night I went to drop food off for a client.  Usually in the evening I struggle to see street signs but to my happy surprise I saw them clearly.  That’s not to say that I didn’t get lost.  I was just able to see where I was going a lot better.

Day 10 Smoothie recipe:

1 Banana

2 Handfuls of Blueberries

1 Anjou Pear

1 Green Apple

1 Avocado

Kale

Oxygen Water

Preparation:  Put enough water in the blender to begin breaking fruit up in the blender.  Once it is pureed add kale.

I think after I finish the Parasite cleanse, I will do an organic essential detox.  This will clean all of my organs from toxins.  Not just parasites.  This will be the first two weeks of February.  But before I count my veggies before they sprout, I will continue on this quest to be PARASITE FREE!

This entire week has been quite an adventure in food.  I have enjoyed making all of these RAW food surprises.  Preparation. Preparation. Preparation!  I cannot stress this enough.  I think this is the reason most people feel as though they CAN”T.  I don’t like hearing I can’t or it’s too hard.  Rubbish.  If you set your mind to something you can do it!  But again, What are you willing to do to meet your goal?

Last night I saw a DVD I had ordered a few weeks back.  It was my second time watching it and I thought since I am doing what I am doing it would serve as a good inspiration.  The DVD is called “RAW for 30 Days”.  The DVD is a documentary on individuals diagnosed with diabetes.  Each individual is placed on a RAW FOOD diet.  They are taken off their meds and onto a healthier routine for 30 days.  The entire documentary takes place in Arizona at the Tree of Life Resort run by Gabriel Cousens.

Although not everyone stuck it out, it was nice to see all the different things they were being fed and there is even a bonus DVD you can order.  (I hope to be offering this in the future on my blog, but for now if you do a google search you will find lot’s of outlets. )

The nice thing about the bonus DVD is the recipe ideas and information given.  I have looked up many of the people featured on the Bonus DVD and it was really great to see some people who I never thought would have been on it.  Brenden Brazier has a few excerpts on the DVD interviews.  Woody Harrelson, Michael Beckwith (The Secret), Tim Robbins, and more.  Check it out.  If for no other reason that to prove that VITAL food is a VITAL source we need for our bodies!

DINNER

Last night and tonight I am determined to use up the rest of the ingredients left over.  I had a few buckwheat pizza crusts left, 2 Wraps from the Falafel meal, Tortilla Chips, Nut Cheese, Pumpkin Pesto, Raw Marinara and mole.  The mole is a difficult one.  I don’t know what else to make with it.  I noticed a sage type of nut pattie on another blog I was looking at.  The blog is Beautiful Living Food in Vermont.  You can visit the website by clicking over the name above.  Maybe that will go good with the mole.  I will have to think about it.  I made the tamales already so I will have to put my brain to work.

I had one huge green zebra tomato left, a few buckwheat pizza crusts -   all of the neccesities to make a RAW Italian Plate.  I made the Living Lasagna with the green zebra tomato, a few thin slices of zucchini, and all of the fixins.  I also made up a slice of pizza and a nice salad with avocado on the side.  Avocados! Avocados! How I love them.  They are food of the God’s!   When I was a little girl I didn’t like avocado unless it was made into guacamole.  Now I can eat it with a spoon out of it’s shell.  Delicious!

So this is what I ended up with for dinner…

I attempted to put some moons to the right hand side, but I don’t think I have a good handle of my new digital enhancing program yet.  If you couldn’t already tell.

Update:  Still no voice, but overall I feel good.  I am happy that I have managed to make it to day 10 without feeling like giving up or without any more sickness.  Onward and Upward! Thank you for reading this posting.

Namaste!

Day 5 of 30 – 25 to go!

Day 5 was equally challenging.  The challenge I have met with this cleanse is my distaste for feeling ill.  I don’t like being sick. EVER!  Up until recently I always looked at being sick as a FAILURE.

I used to think that being ill was proof that I wasn’t doing something that I should be.  But if I think about it, being ill only gives me the clues of things I need to add.  I suppose it doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

Today I feel good.  Culinary wise…I am excited!

Todays smoothie was:

Raw 5 of 30 Special Smoothie!

Ingredients:

Handful of Blueberries

10 Almonds

10 Cashews

5 Dark Green Dinosaur Kale Leaves

1 Pear

1 Green Apple

Juice from a Young Thai Coconut

1 T Almond Butter

Put all in the Blender and away you go!

This smoothie was really good.  Very different than all of the others.  It wasn’t as sweet.  But just as green and fulfilling!

Later on in the evening I decided to get creative!  So on the menu was

Guacamole and Raw Crackers

And for the main course I made RAW TAMALES!

The tamales were from RAW FOOD REAL WORLD by Sarma Mengalis and Matthew Kenney.  I followed the recipe for the first time in my cooking history.  I figured it was better to do this since I had never made them before.  I think the next time I will make a different kind of Tamale.

Since I have had Tamales during each holiday that I can possibly remember it was hard for me to think of a RAW Tamale being good.  However to my surprise, it was delicious!

I also made a HOT Fresh Salsa. (Sorry no picture!)

RAW Salsa

1 FAT Serrano Chile

1/2 a small onion

2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

1 T Oregano (Dried)

1 Garlic Clove

Pulse in the Food Processor just until lightly chopped.

I felt good overall today.  It was a bit of a challenge for me to get through the evening.  I started to feel tired at about 10:30 p.  I am usually up until like 2 or 3 in the a.m.  What a change!

But nonetheless I am commited to my healing and my practice.  I did about an hour of yoga and am able to get deeper into bridge pose.  It feels absolutly amazing on my back and abdomen.

More tomorrow!

Namaste!

Day 4 of 30 – 26 to Go!

Day 4 was a very postive day for me!  I felt 100% better when I woke and relaxed in my bed for a bit after my eyes opened.

I must say that I feel a lot calmer these days.  I also am losing the pain in my left knee.  It was really bothering me before the cleanse and now it is a bit better.

So I had a smoothie in the morning.

Raw 4 of 30 Special Smoothie

1/2 pineapple

1 cup coconut meat

2 cups coconut water

2 small  avocados

1 mango

5 Dark Green Dinosaur Kale

This smoothie was really good.  I decided to give up on making a plan on my smoothies, since this cleanse threw me for a loop the other day.  I will just stock good organic fruit and vegetables and make a different combo each day.

As the day progressed I made a Celeraic Apple Soup from the Raw Food Real World UnCook Book by Matthew Kenney.  I didn’t follow the recipe at all.  Just the ingredients.

This was my recipe:

1 celery root

2 green apples

15 Macadamia Nuts, soaked 3 hours

1/3 cup Olive Oil with Bergamot Essential Oil

Black Truffle Oil

Fresh Basil

Preparation: Chop the apples and the celery root.  Place both in the blender and add 1 bottle oxygen water.  Process until smooth.  Put the soup through a strainer and set pulp aside.  Put the soup back into the blender and added the Macadamia Nuts, olive oil and a bit more water.  I strained the soup again and served it into the bowls.  Topped with fresh cut basil, marinated mushrooms and a nice drizzle of Black Truffle Oil! MMMMmmm!

Here is the celery root…

the green apple…

both in the blender after the initial straining, with the nuts and other ingredients…

Here we are served in a bowl!

The soup was really nice.  Light, Creamy and extremly healing!

I would follow this RAW SOUP with a  wonderful living lasagna!  I had made this meal before with a few variations this time!  You can see the original posting for my initial attempt at the living lasagna here.  You can also see the recipes I used for the Pine Nut Ricotta & Living Marinara Sauce at that same link!

So the new additions I did was:

Pumpkin Seed Pesto – since the pumpkin seeds were raw and anti-parasitic I thought they would be absolutly perfect

Pine Nut Ricotta – I added basil and raw olives to this meal

Raw Marinara – I added fresh garlic, lemon juice and raw olives

Marinated Mushrooms – This was a new addition.

1 Portobello mushroom, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 1 Lemon

4 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

2 tbs Olive Oil

1 tbs hemp oil

Mix all together and allow to marinate for 1 hr.

I just put layers of each filling with 3 different kinds of Heirloom tomatoes.  They each had different contrast.  Firm, Juicy and Medium.  Layered into love.  Living Lasagna!

These were the raw meals for the 4th day of the cleanse.  More to come tomorrow!  I’ll post tonights dinner and tomorrows smoothies.

Namaste!

I feel good actually!  Thankful for my life and yoga practice.  I have practiced each day so with the exception of New Years Eve.  Squeezing my organs in various asanas.  It feels so good.  The asanas seem easier to meet and stay in.